From uphill struggle to easy-to-maintain dream garden

The challenge

The owners of this modern detached property in Rothley, Leicestershire asked us for advice on how to turn their multi-level garden into a sociable and attractive space.

The garden was originally very high maintenance as it was a hill that sloped upwards away from the house. Our clients had tried landscaping it themselves in tiers using wooden sleepers, but over the years these had rotted away.

What they now wanted was a low maintenance garden that could be enjoyed by the whole family including their grandchildren.

The concept

First, we laid new paving that flowed from the house around to the back gate. By introducing a small slope, we decreased the number of steps needed in the garden and provided easy access to a circular feature patio on the middle level. This new patio offered plenty of space for garden table and chairs.

New steps and walling were constructed to retain and give access to all levels of the garden with a concrete block wall backing the main support walls to help with the location of existing electric wires running around the garden. On the bottom level, we built up the wall to create an attractive backdrop and offer cosy and informal seating.

A new lawn was cut into shape and laid with artificial turf to provide a safe play area for our client’s grandchildren. Next to this, the freshly cut flowerbeds were filled with top soil and compost.Edging blocks were used to border the paving, flowerbeds and lawn to give definition to these areas.

To complete the transformation, we tackled the front garden using the same materials employed in the back garden to give a uniform style. By deploying the same easy maintenance techniques such as incorporating block edging strips around the new artificial lawn, any upkeep is kept to a minimum. We also added extra paving along the side of the front lawn to give more space when getting in and out of the car.

A new Aco channel drainage system was introduced in the paved areas to capture any surface water to avoid puddles forming.

The conclusion

Our clients kindly gave us this video testimonial as they were delighted with their new garden. One comment they made was that we had listened carefully to what they wanted and got the design spot on!

Despite being on a slope, the garden is now a spacious, stylish and relaxing place. The family can enjoy being outside all year round. By retaining mature trees and shrubs to the sides and back, the garden looks well established and has plenty of colour and interest. The mix of plants on the upper level offers a striking backdrop to the seating areas towards the front of the garden.

We will be carrying out a maintenance visit to the garden in twelve months’ time to service the drainage channels, clean all paving and walling, sweep and service the artificial lawns and carry out a general health check. This will ensure the garden stays looking as good as new without any work required from our clients.